Need Help Styling Your Coffee Table?
Whether your coffee table is large or small, marble or wood, the right accessories can make all the difference in the overall aesthetic of your space.
In this blog, we’re diving into the art of styling a coffee table to give you the finished look that will impress your guests and leave you feeling satisfied with your space!
And don’t miss some of our favorite styling pieces you can purchase.
Let’s get started!
In our latest YouTube video, we approach coffee table styling like you would if you walked into CB2 blind without knowing where to begin. We hope our thought process will help you in your styling journey!
Keep these tips in mind when styling your table, whether it’s a small wood table, a large stone table, or a medium black table — we got you:
Start With a Base
If you have the space, try beginning with a tray to ground your items and create a cohesive look.
A base could even be a large coffee table book!
PRO-TIP: If you have a rectangular or square table, try a round base! If you have a round table, go with a rectangular or square base!
On this coffee table, we give an example of mixing materials with the tray being different (marble) than the coffee table (wood). We kept simple with coasters and small plant to bring the coffee table to life. Trays or a “catch-all” (as we call them) are great to help the table look organized and sleek.
Layer Heights
Use items of varying heights to create visual interest (but not so high that you obstruct views of your guests or other focal points in the room such as your fireplace)!
If height is an issue, remember your items can be short (a small plant) and REALLY short (a book) to give the variation.
Thrift or buy some books to stack, add tall candles if you have the space, and incorporate low elements like trays or small plants.
Coasters now come in felt, marble, and all sorts of materials. They can also be used as your “low” items that contrast with your table top material.
Play With Color
Use a consistent palette with pops of color to tie your table together with the rest of your decor.
Consider the color of your coffee table and surrounding furniture; aim to create a sense of contrast with the items you place on top.
Coffee table books are a great opportunity to play with color and pattern!
Size Matters
The size of your coffee table can affect how much you can fit on it while still maintaining its function. You don’t want to overtake the table (even if you are a maximalist)!
Make sure props aren’t competing for space. You don’t want two pieces that are similar in size or the table will feel too busy!
Think about zones! A small table you may have 2 smaller zones, whereas a large coffee table you may have 3 larger zones.
At Slender House, we featured this mosaic coffee table by 1stDibs and accessorized with sculptural floral decor in a hand-blown glass vase.
Mix Textures
Some tips on how to achieve this:
If your table is wood try opting for lacquer or marble to add interest and color (and vice versa)
Mix a glass piece with a more earthy stone material
Wood warms up stone, marble and tile (see above the wood necklace on top of the tile table to ground it)
A hard book without a cover combined with a book with a glossy cover is a really great way to get a lived-in and curated look
Personalize It!
We always encourage our clients to add items that reflect their personality and style, such as unique coffee table books, a favorite plant, or a cherished decorative piece that was handed down to you or you found on your travels.
Did this help?
We hope this helped with your coffee table styling troubles! Please drop a comment below to let us know how we can improve these blogs for next time!
Happy styling!
Wendy
HELPFUL LINKS
Want to see our design magic in action? Head to our latest YouTube video to watch us style three stunning coffee tables at CB2. It's the perfect companion to our blog—don't miss out on the tips and inspiration!
If you're still stumped on color choices, don't worry! We have a blog on building the perfect color palette for your space.
Gearing up for summer hosting? Check out our Outdoor Spaces blog for ideas on sprucing up your patio!
